A fire broke out at the Caribbean home of billionaire Richard Branson, as a result of high winds from Tropical Storm Irene on Monday. Oscar winning actress Kate Winslet and two children were among the guests, and escaped unharmed after the fire at the estate at Necker Island - the Virgin Group founder's private island.

"Thank you for all your kind messages after the fire on Necker. We’re thankful that everyone is ok. Around 20 people were in the house and they all managed to get out and they are all fine. We had a tropical storm with winds up to 90mph.A big lightning storm came around 4am and hit the house."

He continued, and explained that Winslet also helped bring his 90-year old mother to safety: "My son Sam and nephew Jack rushed to the house and helped get everyone out and many thanks to Kate Winslet for helping to carry my 90 year mum out of the main house to safety - she was wondering when a Director was going to shout CUT! The main house is destroyed and the fire is not yet completely out. My office was based in the house and I have lost thousands of photographs and my note books which is very sad. But all family and friends are well - which in the end is all that really matters."

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